How do you find peace when your world is turned upside down by a medical crisis?

In this deeply moving episode, host DeAnna Byrd sits down with Lacey Howard to explore a journey of profound trial, medical pioneering, and an unwavering trust in God.  Brought together through a shared connection with Ebie Adkins (S1EP3) and the Echo TV community, DeAnna and Lacey explore what it means to trust God when you are hanging on by a single thread.

Lacey opens up about the birth of her son, Cooper, who was born with a rare, life-threatening genetic condition affecting his kidneys and liver.  What followed was a a medical journey so complex that it required both of Cooper’s kidneys to be removed before he was even six months old. Lacey speaks candidly about the "guttural cry"; the raw, honest moment of human grief and the divine strength that met her in that darkness. 

Integrating into the creative community through Echo TV and her connection with Ebie served as a vital turning point in Lacey’s journey of healing. After navigating the isolating and heavy years of Cooper’s early medical crises, stepping back into a creative environment allowed Lacey to rediscover a sense of identity beyond the clinical walls of a hospital. Working alongside Ebie provided more than just a artistic outlet; it offered a supportive sisterhood that helped pull her out of the fog of situational anxiety and depression by using her gifts in a ministry-focused setting.

But Cooper’s story is also one of pioneering impact. Treated at a top children's hospital, Cooper’s unique case led to a breakthrough in the "Standard of Care," creating new medical protocols that now protect the neurological development of infants facing similar challenges across the country.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Diagnosis: Navigating the shock of a rare disease and the immediate transition into a life of medical advocacy.
• Finding Peace in the Pain: Why Lacey chose not to blame God, but rather to lean into His role as the Great Physician.
• Cooper’s Legacy: How one little boy’s medical journey is now saving and improving the lives of children across the country.
• The Power of Community:  How connecting with Ebie and the Echo TV creative community helped pull Lacey through the fog of situational anxiety and depression. 
• Advice for the "Medical Mom": Lacey’s heart-to-heart encouragement for parents currently sitting in hospital waiting rooms.

Lacey reminds us that even when we feel we are hanging on by a single thread, that thread is held by a Creator who knows our names and our children's names. Whether you are walking through a personal storm or seeking to better support those who are, this conversation will leave you inspired by the resilience of the human spirit and the faithfulness of God.

"I didn't ask for this, but I am honored that God chose me to be his mother." — Lacey Howard

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Keywords: Faith in crisis, special needs parenting, medical miracles, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, organ transplant journey, Christian motherhood, Stories From A Woman’s Heart, DeAnna

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In this powerful and emotionally raw episode of Stories From A Woman's Heart, DeAnna welcomes Breanne Glassco for a deep conversation about faith, resilience, and finding God's presence in the most painful of "waiting rooms."

Breanne shares her vulnerable journey of enduring five miscarriages and the intense emotional toll it took on her mental health. She speaks candidly about falling into "dark places" of depression and her personal account of suicidal ideation during her lowest moments. Listeners will hear how, even when the promise seemed distant, a miraculous intervention through worship music became a divine lifeline. Her story highlights how God works in the silence of the waiting room, transforming a season of profound loss into a testament of His faithfulness and restorative power.

This episode is a reminder that God is present in every tear and faithful to His word, even when the path is long. Whether you are currently in your own waiting room or seeking to support someone who is, Breanne’s story offers a message of inspiration and the firm reminder that you are never alone.

Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode of Stories From A Woman’s Heart is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The personal experiences and medical journeys discussed by DeAnna Byrd and Breanne Glassco should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any health condition or as a substitute for professional medical consultation.

Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, pregnancy, or mental health concerns. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard in this podcast.

Resources: Today's episode includes personal accounts of depression and suicidal ideation. The following United States-based resources are available for those who may be struggling or in need of support:   

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 or use the online chat to connect with a trained crisis counselor 24/7.
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor.
• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) for 24/7, free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy.
• Postpartum Support International (PSI): Call or text the Help Line at 1-800-944-4773 for resources and specialized support for pregnancy and postpartum mental health.

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Real stories. Real faith. Real encouragement for your journey.

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In this moving episode of Stories From A Woman's Heart, host DeAnna Byrd sits down with award-winning actress, producer, and educator Dr. Ebie Adkins. Known for her lead role in the faith-based series Gone on Echo TV, Ebie shares a powerful testimony about the beauty of "being real" in a world that often demands perfection.

From her roots in Eastern Kentucky to her unexpected journey into the film industry, Ebie discusses how God uses our unique backgrounds—including her work as a teacher for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing—to create a niche for ministry. This conversation dives deep into the heart of Christian authenticity, exploring why our greatest impact often comes from our vulnerabilities rather than our successes.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The Power of Vulnerability: Why letting down your guard is the key to true connection and ministry.
• Navigating Personal Struggles: Ebie’s journey through early adulthood challenges and how she found complete healing and peace.
• Redemptive Storytelling: The mission behind Echo TV and how media can be used to reach people outside traditional church walls.
• Recognizing "God Winks": A glimpse into a "monumental miracle" on Ebie’s farm that provided undeniable confirmation of her calling.
• Building Your Circle: The importance of finding a small, trusted community of like-minded believers.

Whether you are navigating a season of doubt, seeking your purpose, or simply need a reminder that you aren't alone on this journey, Ebie’s story offers a beautiful perspective on God’s personal and persistent love.

Join us for a heartfelt conversation filled with spiritual insights, encouragement, and the simple, profound truth that Jesus loves you.

Connect with the Show

• Watch Ebie Adkins in the Gone Series: Available on Echo TV.
• Follow Stories From A Woman’s Heart: Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring real stories of faith and encouragement.

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Real stories. Real faith. Real encouragement for your journey.

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Join host DeAnna Byrd for the powerful conclusion to her two-part series on the value and enduring nature of Godly Friendships. This episode features a deeply personal conversation with her close and long-standing friend, Carrole Hedges, about the principles that have sustained their Christ-centered relationship for nearly three decades.

DeAnna and Carrole lay bare the truth about what it takes to maintain a friendship across different life seasons, personal struggles, and physical distance. They emphasize that the foundation of their friendship is the constant bond of Christ, which anchors them and allows them to navigate life's inevitable highs and lows with grace and peace.

The discussion delves into the profound necessity of having a "Holy of Holies" friend—a trustworthy, constant companion who serves as an unwavering prayer warrior. They stress the importance of unconditional love and radical honesty, highlighting that true friendship requires loving each other "no matter what" and speaking the truth, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable. This brutal, yet loving, honesty is what facilitates genuine growth and accountability.

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the power of personal testimony and the impact of God’s faithfulness on their lives. Carrole shares her incredibly vulnerable experience with a broken marriage and the subsequent, beautiful blessing of restoration through faith, forgiveness, and walking obediently through God's will. This powerful story serves as a testament to the hope found in God's promises and the strength drawn from having a faithful, praying friend.

This episode is more than just a chat; it’s a blueprint for intentional Christian living and building relationships that last. Tune in to understand the peace that comes from a genuine Godly friendship and be encouraged to cultivate your own relationships into lifelong, trustworthy, and prayer-filled bonds.

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Real stories. Real faith. Real encouragement for your journey.

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Welcome to the inaugural episode of Stories From A Woman's Heart! Host DeAnna Byrd opens her new podcast with a heartfelt, candid discussion on the foundational importance and true value of God-ordained friendships. 

She is joined by her lifelong friend, Tracy Hutchins, who shares the story of how their relationship began during one of the most trying seasons of DeAnna's life: her separation and divorce. Connecting over their shared experiences as young mothers dealing with the stresses of marital struggles and raising children, DeAnna and Tracy quickly discovered a bond anchored in faith. The conversation delves into the non-negotiable elements that ensure an enduring, Christ-centered relationship. They stress that a genuine Godly friendship must be built on radical honesty and unwavering accountability, emphasizing that true love means telling a friend the straight truth for their personal growth, rather than merely becoming a "yes woman." They discuss the immense comfort of having a constant source of support—a friend who can pick up right where they left off, even after months of silence, proving that such a bond is resilient to life's chaos. Furthermore, they explore the difficult but necessary reality of adversity and pruning, explaining that God sometimes removes "fair-weather friends" or those who cause chaos, ensuring the remaining circle bears good fruit. Tracy and DeAnna encourage listeners to be intentional with their connections, whether through a quick text, a phone call, or sharing an encouraging video. This episode is a powerful and practical testament to the scripture that "a friend loves at all times" (Proverbs 17:17), offering both encouragement and a blueprint for building the kind of trustworthy and enduring relationships that bless the soul.

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Real stories. Real faith. Real encouragement for your journey.

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From DeAnna Byrd, the author of Devotions from A Woman's Heart is the new podcast, Stories from A Woman's Heart where women share from their lives how God has shown up and shown out through their personal challenges and triumphs.

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Real stories. Real faith. Real encouragement for your journey.

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